Church Street sinkhole causes Muni delays

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission officials said they are hoping to have a sinkhole in Noe Valley repaired today after an 18-inch sewer main failed.

SFPUC spokesman Tyrone Jue said the sinkhole occurred sometime early this morning on Church Street between 24th and Jersey streets.

San Francisco Municipal Railway officials said at 5:45 a.m. that the J-Church line was blocked in both directions at 24th and Church streets.

The J-Church line was still blocked as of 10 a.m.

Muni spokesman Paul Rose said buses are taking people around the affected area. Inbound trains are turning back around at Glen Park, while outbound trains are turning around near 14th Street, Muni officials said.

Rose said there are also some delays on the N-Judah line but those trains are running.

Muni officials said they are working to have service restored by this afternoon, but that is a preliminary estimate.

Utility service in the area has not been affected, but vehicle traffic is blocked in both directions on Church Street, Jue said.